Tenera (T) is the major commercial oil palm progeny planted in Malaysia. It is a cross between the dura and pisifera varieties, (DxP), belongingto Elaeis Guineensis family originating from West Africa. The crude palm oil extracted from this Tenera variety consists of an equal proportion of saturated (50%) and unsaturated (50%) fatty acids which is high in monounsaturates (~39%). Crude palm oil consist of 1% minor components. The major ones are carotenoids, Vitamin E (tocopherol) and tocotrienols have been found to be 500-700 ppm, 600-1000 ppm and 250-620 ppm respectively (Goh et al., 1985).

Main Researcher: Dr. Choo Yuen May